That [i]bastard.[/i]

She understands the plan in an instant. Sees the formations arrayed before her as neatly as the diagrams in [i]The Masteries of Battle.[/i] The Kaeri hate the Alcedi, want to see them destroyed and laid on their altar, would hound them to the end of space if given the chance. And that's the [i]point.[/i] You couldn't paint a more effective target if you tried.  

It's as simple as it is cruel. So long as the Alcedi are on the field, the Kaeri are neutralized.  Sacrifice the Alcedi, feed them into a meatgrinder of troops who are prepared and motivated to destroy them, and the day is yours. Why wouldn't you do that? Yes, it's regrettable that he must lose a third of his forces to win this battle, but it's not like there isn't a planet full of more of them. It's not like they're [i]important.[/i] Dying is what they're [i]for.[/i]

And all she had to do in this plan was care. She's damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't. If she leads them to victory, she keeps them alive and gives Father Molech exactly what he wants. And if she denies him his victory, they all die. Isn't that just like him?

She could push them forward, yes. Could take up her spear, become the leader they want. Face Lorventi, give the Tide and the Coherents the opening they need. Give the Emperor the victory he craves. Become the hero of the day.

But it won't be enough. 

It will never be enough.

Let's say she does find a way to pull a miracle out of her ass.  Appeals to Ares. Saves the day. Rallies the troops. Survives against Lorventi. Becomes a beacon of hope. Returns with a crown of laurels and the [i]Plousios[/i] singing her praises.  

What then?

Then Emperor Molech will be free to throw them into more battles. More days to save. More insurmountable odds to fight against. More chances for the Alcedi to throw themselves into the meatgrinder for a father who never cared.

Never even thought of them as people.

"Gather the wounded!" she bellows. "We retreat to the [i]Plousios![/i]"

[Get Away: 6]

It's messy. 

She's shouting to make herself heard. The Coherents and the Tides are still surging towards the engine. The Alcedi almost are refusing to believe it. And worst of all, they're cut off. They've advanced so far into the ship, the mice have cut them off from behind, and now….

And now the phalanxes are advancing, while Lorventi's form cuts through the ship like the fin of a shark.